Candlelight vigil held for SUNY Brockport student

Posted at: 09/29/2012 11:11 PM | Updated at: 09/29/2012 11:18 PM

A SUNY Brockport student is dead and her boyfriend is charged in connection with her murder.

Brockport officials say this is the first time they've ever had a murder on campus.

It's been an emotional day at the College of Brockport for all students and faculty.

Dozens gathered to the campus on Saturday night for a candlelight vigil. The mood was very quiet and you could really sense the shock the students were feeling.

The mother of the victim alerted Campus Police to check on her daughter after unanswered calls.

They went into the dorm room shortly after 2.30 a.m. and that's when they made the gruesome discovery.

Investigators say the victim suffered extensive upper body trauma.

Monroe County Sheriff's Deputies tell News10NBC that 21-year-old Clayton Whittemore was arrested on Saturday morning after they tracked him down at a rest stop in Dewitt hours after the attack.

He is being charged with 2nd degree murder in the Town of Sweden. He plead not guilty to the charges.

The entire incident has really shaken up the Brockport community.

Students gathered outside of McLean Hall on Saturday night, leaning on each other for support. They left special messages for the victim, many in disbelief over the vicious attack that happened so close to them.

It's on the mind of every student and faculty member at the College of Brockport.

The community says they will continue to feel this unthinkable loss for a very long time.

Yokastheline Alejo says, "We're just praying for her family and all her friends and everyone who knew her."

Nicole Jennings says, "I think it's good to bring everyone closer. Everyone understands what happened. Everyone is devastated. I think it's something Brockport is putting together for her which is really good."

At this hour, the Sheriff's Office has yet to release the victim's identity or any information about her.

News10NBC is expected to know more about her on Sunday. News10NBC is also waiting on the medical examiner to determine exact cause of death.

In the meantime, school officials have set up counseling services for students and faculty throughout the week. They have also opened an information hotline.

 

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